Plasmodium relictum
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Through Species, Parasitism and Insect
It is a parasite, and the most common cause of malaria in birds.
Like all Plasmodium species, P. relictum has both vertebrate and insect hosts. The vertebrate hosts for this parasite are birds.
Distribution
P. relictum is geographically widespread, and is the most widespread malaria parasite of birds. Climate change is broadening its distribution further and is expected to continue to do so, including into higher elevations.
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Hosts
Avian
P. relictum infects a wide variety of birds including birds from various orders. Infections in numerous wild birds and experimental animals have been described including partridges, canaries, chickens, ducks, pigeons and Spheniscus magellanicus (Magellanic penguins). Experimental attempts to infect owls were not successful, suggesting owls may not be susceptible to P. relictum.
Vector
Culex quinquefasciatus, Cu. stigmatosoma and Cu. tarsalis.